Even a protected island of more than 34 miles from the coast of Spain cannot hide from plastic pollution.
In a study led by Kiel University and published by Marine Pollution Bulletin, scientists who discovered the Bay of Illa Grossa in the Columbretes Navy Reserve is investigating the only Rif-Building coral with record levels of microplastics and microrubber.
What happens?
Researchers took five sediment samples from Illa Grossa's Bay and eventually discovered a polluted hotspot.
Even without local sources of pollution, the seabed contained an average of 1,514 microplastic and microrubic particles per kilogram of sediment. One monster even had more than 6,300 particles.
“More than 90% of the particles were smaller than 250 micrometers – small enough to be taken by corals,” Dr. Daniel Pröfrock from the Helmholtz Center on this, according to Kiel University.
Why is this discovery important?
Microplastics are small plastic fragments of broken plastic. Because they are so small, they are easy for people and animals to digest. They are also linked to numerous health problems, such as cancer and fertility problems. Microrubber has not been discussed so much, but research shared by Sciencedaily suggests that it is much more common in the environment than Microplastics.
View now: Giant snails that invade New York City?
Microplastics and microrubber polluted water bodies, such as Illa Grossa's Bay. It is true Cladocora CaespitosaAn endangered stony coral species grows, making these waters one of the most fragile habitats of the Mediterranean Sea.
Coral reefs such as C. Caespitosa Give species of fish, sea tasels, sponges and more a place to live that often serves “as a center of activity for marine life”, according to the United States Environmental Protection Agency.
“Our findings are deeply worrying,” said Dr. Lars, main author of the study, according to Kiel University. “Although they relate to a limited part of the Mediterranean Sea, they emphasize that even protected areas are seriously influenced by global plastic pollution, which in particular jeopardize sensitive coral species.”
When coral reefs fall apart, communities can feel the consequences. Fewer healthy corals mean fewer fish and shellfish where local families for trust for food and income. Coral reefs also reduce golf energy by 97%, according to the Coral Reef Alliance. Local communities can experience more floods with fewer coral reefs.
C. Caespitosa has already confronted other threats for his well -being. In a 2024 study published in the magazine Science of the Total Environment, researchers found fly pollution in the Illa Grossa Bay. Vliegas is a toxic connection that comes from the burning of coal.
According to research that is shared in the Journal of Animal Ecology, the population of the coral has also fallen over the past two decades due to considerably rising temperatures caused by marine heat waves in the Illa Grossa Bay.
What is being done to protect coral reefs?
Scientists are working on new technologies to keep the world's precious coral reefs intact. A group of researchers discovered that playing ambient noises of healthy coral reefs from underwater speakers encouraged RIF buildings. Another research team is experimenting with underwater robots to locate and remove invasive species that harm the coral reefs of Brazil.
For C. Caespitosa And specifically the Illa Grossa Bay seems to be microplastic and microrubber pollution the biggest threat. The area is a hub for washing the northern stream, as the researchers noted.
A simple way to relieve the pressure on coral reefs is to use less plastic. Choose reusable bags, bottles and containers to reduce the nest that funnel in waterways teeth. As the global plastic demand falls, fewer plastic fragments can reach vulnerable corals such as C. CaespitosaGiving them a fighting opportunity to recover.
Become a member of our free newsletter for Good news And Useful tipsAnd don't miss this cool list with simple ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
